.jpg "Source: International SOS. People in a discussion.") |
| Source: International SOS. People in a discussion. |
Ahead of World Mental Health Day on 10 October, International SOS, the global health and security risk services company, has pointed out that challenges on the mental health of employees has never been more significant given the ongoing poly- and permacrises in the world today. "A global pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis, geopolitical challenges and the accelerating rate of change in today’s workplace have placed unprecedented stressors on individuals and organisations worldwide," the company said in a statement.
Without effective support, mental illness can impact an individual’s capacity to work productively, absences and the ease with which they can retain or gain work, International SOS stated. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 15% of working-age adults live with a mental disorder in 2019, and 12 billion working days are lost every year to depression and anxiety alone*.
International SOS Assistance Centre has already seen a 5% increase in the number of requests for assistance related to mental illness during the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, the company said, noting that poor working environments - including discrimination and inequality, excessive workloads, low job control and job insecurity - all pose a risk to mental health.
Dr Rodrigo Rodriguez-Fernandez, International SOS Global Health Advisor, Wellness and Mental Health, said: "Overlooking mental health issues in the workplace comes with a significant price, both emotionally and financially, and it is a concern we cannot afford to sideline. The repercussions touch everyone, from individual employees to the organisation as a whole.
"As individuals might face considerable costs when seeking mental health resources, organisations are uniquely positioned to champion preventive strategies and offer affordable counselling and support to their teams.
“Organisations dedicated to fostering a lasting mental health culture understand the critical need to arm every stakeholder with the insights and resources to grasp the depth of mental health. By recognising the significance of mental wellbeing organisations pave the way for holistic employee wellness programmes. Such endeavours aim to build a steadfast and resilient environment, ready to navigate the complexities of today's ever-shifting landscape.”
*World Health Organization, Mental health at work.
